Global Goodies

Now that you’re in Beijing, there may be a few things from home that you’re sure to miss. With all that Beijing has to offer, the capital can be your home away from home or your window into another culture. Reminisce or simply explore by digging into an American breakfast, biting into an Aussie burger, watching a French film, reading Japanese manga, or swaying to the beat of Bollywood music.

The US
Head to American Steak and Eggs, Chef Too, or Grandma’s Kitchen for a hearty American breakfast. If it’s bagels you’re after, try Moss Coffee and Bagels, Rug Bagel and Cafe, or Mrs Shanen’s Bagels. Grab a piping hot slice of pizza at kid-friendly Kro’s Nest or Hutong Pizza. Nothing says U-S-A like a piece of sweet apple pie – head to Alba or order one from Pie House. All-American threads are sold at American Apparel (all clothing is made in Los Angeles), Levi’s, and Gap. Thrifty spenders who miss Goodwill and the Salvation Army should drop by the second-hand stores at the north entrance of Nanluogu Xiang or pick up treasures from Roundabout Charity Store in Shunyi. Check out Kidsland for American toys like Barbie, Transformers and Matchbox cars.

Indonesia
Beijing lacks an authentic Indonesian restaurant, but there are two Thai-Indonesian eateries that might satisfy your Indo fix: Bali Thai and Bali Papaya. To stock up for home, head to Jenny Lou’s, BHG, or Sanyuanli Market. Alternatively, place an order at Indocentre, then stop by to collect your goodies. Some of Indonesia’s best treats include Indomie and Mie Sedap instant noodles, Teh Sosro bottled tea, Indocafe coffee mix, Kecap Bango and ABC sweet soy sauce, as well as Indofood and ABC chili sauce. Indocentre can also help you book plane tickets to Indonesia.

India
Indian grocery store Qi Yuan in Sanlitun stocks fragrant spices and can deliver to your door. Dip into a delicious curry with homemade naan at one of Beijing’s finest Indian restaurants: Ganges Indian Restaurant, The Taj Pavilion, or Indian Kitchen. Ganges also has live Bollywood dance performances every Thursday to Sunday (7-9.30pm) at its location in The Place And if you’d like henna done for a special occasion (RMB 50 per hand), contact Ms. Sangeeta or Rakesh at 130 5145 8559, 152 1067 2975, or 151 1007 1151. They also do Indian trimming, waxing, and facials.

CanadaThe Box serves poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy), while April Gourmet and Jenny Lou’s stock maple syrup. Boucherie Michel, while French, has tasty smoked salmon for hungry, nostalgic Canadians. Those itching to hit the ice should lace up at All Star Champion Skating Rink (All Star) or Le Cool. Ice skating and hockey gear can be found at All Star. Hiking enthusiasts should contact Beijing Hikers or Dandelion Hiking for hikes around the capital.

AustraliaJenny Lou’s, April Gourmet, and BHG have Australian goodies like Tim Tams, Arnott’s Mint Slices, and Vegemite. Shop on Taobao if it’s Minties you crave. Chow down on a true Aussie burger with egg and beetroot at Let’s Burger or Blue Frog. Or, make your own burger on the barbie with a Villa Lifestyles grill. Australian Meilian Tan bakes lamingtons, Tim Tam cheesecakes, and pavlova to perfection – all available for delivery via Sweet Tooth. Cafe Flatwhite has long blacks and flat whites (Americano and milky cafe latte respectively). The Wine Republic sells a wide variety of Australian wines. Aunew stocks Australian and New Zealand goods ranging from Ugg boots to imported milk powder and vitamins. Amazon sells books by popular Australian children’s author Mem Fox. For sport enthusiasts, Beijing Bombers has both Australian Rules (AFL) and cricket leagues. Cricket players can also check out Beijing Cricket Club.Japan
Dig in to fresh seafood or grilled skewers at Japanese restaurant Suzumei or try yakitori at Tori Tei. Sake Manzo makes delectable fresh tofu daily. Stop by Sanyuanli Market to purchase fresh seafood and Japanese produce, or try Japanese supermarket chain Freshness. For more things Japanese, shop at Uniqlo for fashionable threads or Muji for stationary, furniture, homewares, kitchenware, clothing and shoes. And if you can’t find manga at Wangfujing Foreign Bookstore or Xidan, try Taobao.The UK
Dive into fish and chips at Let’s Seafood or enjoy bangers and mash at Parkside Bar and Grill. In the afternoons, Raffles Beijing offers a delightful tea set, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and sparkling wine for adults. For Marmite and HP sauce, stop by Jenny Lou’s, April Gourmet, or BHG. Stock up on harder-to-find items like Kendal mint cake, Tetley tea, and scones at Sanyuanli Market. Wangfujing Foreign Bookstore carries Peter Rabbit books and Amazon has Paddington Bear, the Spot series, and Kipper the dog books. For British Beano comics, search Taobao.

Brazil
Get your Brazilian grill on at Latin Grillhouse, Brazilian Barbeque Gauchos, or Brazilian Churrascos. Adults can try Brazilian martial arts at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club, which offers Brazilian jiujitsu as well as Thai boxing, Western boxing, judo, and wushu. Instructors are internationally-trained and certified. Contact Capoeira Beijing for capoeira or move your body to authentic Brazilian Samba with SambAsia Beijing Club. They also teach Samba drumming.

France
For all things French, head to the French Cultural Centre, which has a library full of French books, movie viewing stations, a kids’ corner, a movie theater, a cafe, and a bookstore. Check www.ccfpekin.org for movie listings. Jacadi carries French clothes for babies and children, and Lacoste has French apparel for adults. Pick up a fresh baguette or croissants at Comptoirs de France or Paris Baguette. For French cheeses and wines, stop by Jenny Lou’s and April Gourmet. Parents can have a romantic dinner for two at Maison Boulud or Café de la Poste. Satisfy your crepe craving at Crêpanini or Jaya Cafe.South Korea
There is plenty of tasty Korean hot pot and grilled barbeque meats and veggies to be found at one of Wudaokou’s or Wangjing’s many Korean restaurants. But if the trek is too far, try Ai Jiang Shan in Lido, Saveurs de Corée in Nanluogu Xiang, or Han Na Shan – a popular chain restaurant with various locations. Check the Korean Culture Center website (http://china.korean-culture.org/welcome.do, Chinese only) for Korean art-centric events, such as photo exhibits, art auctions and film screenings. For the latest Korean trends, head to the Korean Fashion Market in Haidian and don’t forget to bargain hard.

Resources

Amazon (China)
www.amazon.cn

April Gourmet
Daily 8am-midnight. 1/F Jiezuo Mansion, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (6417 7970)朝阳区三里屯幸福村中路杰作大厦1层 See Directory under Family Life for more locations.

Beijing Bombers
RMB 20 for club members (RMB 200 per membership), RMB 30 for non-members per session. Every Sat 3-5pm, Beijing City International School (outback.esl@gmail.com)
Beijing Cricket Club
RMB 300 for social membership, RMB 100 per match (league game), RMB 30 per match (Twenty20 game) www.bjcricketclub.org

American Steak and Eggs 喜来中北美西餐
Daily 7am-midnight. Xiushui Nanjie (north of the Friendship Store), Chaoyang District (6592 8088/8788) 朝阳区建国门外秀水南街(友谊商店北面) See
Directory under Family Dining for more listings.